League talking points: ‘Kilkenny panel as serious as any in the country’

Goal drought continues

On these pages last week, John Fogarty detailed how goals are becoming less frequent where the Cork hurlers are concerned. At Ennis yesterday, they were non-existent. But it certainly wasn’t for the lack of chances. Donal Tuohy deflected a Seamus Harnedy first-half shot out for a ‘65, the Clare goalkeeper produced a fine double save in the second half when first repelling a Patrick Horgan 20-metre free before getting down low to push away Brian Lawton’s drive. Cork’s fourth goal opportunity was another Horgan 20-metre free which Tuohy tipped over the crossbar. While Cork didn’t deserve to take anything from this game, had one of the latter three chances hit the net, it would have made for a frenetic and unpredictable finish. Meyler addressed this subject afterwards, admitting it has been a problem in each one of their league outings to date.